A new lane will be added to the A2 on the Canterbury approach to the snarled-up Brenley Corner, KentOnline can reveal.

Highways England has released details of the plan, which is being touted as a remedy to chronic rush-hour congestion at the busy roundabout.

The number of motorists using Brenley Corner – at junction 7 of the M2 – has jumped by 43% in 15 years, but little has been done to cope with the increase in vehicles.

Extra traffic lights were thought to be a solution, but that idea has taken a back seat as road bosses push forward with plans for the new lane.

With no funds earmarked for the improvements in the Autumn Statement, housing developers will be stumping up the cash to pay for the work.

Highways England spokesman Howard Rhoades said: "Improvements to increase capacity at the M2 junction 7 have been put forward by developers promoting sites around Faversham and Canterbury.

"Highways England has agreed to these improvements to help improve the capacity and efficiency of Brenley Corner while evidence is gathered to determine possible government-funded schemes for the 2020-25 funding period.

"The improvements, including a short section of additional lane on the London-bound A2 approach to Brenley Corner, will be built in line with these developments."

Faversham MP Helen Whately has campaigned tirelessly for improvements at the junction, even meeting Chancellor Philip Hammond to push for action.

She said: "Brenley Corner is not fit for purpose.

"The terrible traffic is not just annoying – making people late for work and children late for school, delaying deliveries and even holding up ambulances – it's holding Kent back.

"Our economy can't grow unless infrastructure is up to scratch.

"As the vast majority of road freight passes through Kent, this is a national issue, not just a local one.

"The new houses planned for the area and the proposed Lower Thames Crossing will increase pressure on this part of the road network, so action is needed now."